Should we only mention medically related jobs on application?

[skeletor06]

I'm a non-trad, and have held several jobs since college. I've been back in school taking pre-reqs for the last two years, but worked before that. Should I mention all of the jobs I've held, or just stick with the ones that are medically related? I don't want adcoms to think I sat on my rear for like four years, but the jobs I held during that time were in no way related to medicine. Thoughts?

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[AlbinoHawk DO]

No, include all jobs. Even something like retail suggests you know how to deal with difficult people.

 

[keels99]

I included all because I worked full time while going to school full time. I thought it helped make up for the fact that my GPA was a 3.48.

 

[Indianarn]

I'm a non-trad, and have held several jobs since college. I've been back in school taking pre-reqs for the last two years, but worked before that. Should I mention all of the jobs I've held, or just stick with the ones that are medically related? I don't want adcoms to think I sat on my rear for like four years, but the jobs I held during that time were in no way related to medicine. Thoughts?

I agree with both, each and every job teaches us things that we can't think of. These valuable lesson help us in future. They might include responsibility, team work, respect for others, time management, and team work, and all are important as a med student and a doctor. I would use them all and mention one thing that you learned from the job and how it will help you in future. Good luck.

 

[Chillywilly]

include all... but i would avoid writing down jobs like bar tending, stripping, or porno lol

 

[Mad Jack]

include all... but i would avoid writing down jobs like bar tending, stripping, or porno lol

There's nothing wrong with bartending. It's a pretty solid occupation and I can't see how you'd mix it in with stripping or porn.

 

[Mad Jack]

Your career experience shows that you can handle responsibility. You know what it means to wake up on time, go to work on time, and do what needs to be done with varying levels of oversight. This shows that you have a level of maturity that many students who have not held jobs and went straight through college often do not yet have, as it is something you develop through practice.

 

[Chillywilly]

There's nothing wrong with bartending. It's a pretty solid occupation and I can't see how you'd mix it in with stripping or porn.

Idk I had guest lectures from doctors and admission counselors that warned us against being seen in the night life and with drinks as it could interfere with our professionalism. Just what I've been taught tho..

 

[coolingglasses]

Idk I had guest lectures from doctors and admission counselors that warned us against being seen in the night life and with drinks as it could interfere with our professionalism. Just what I've been taught tho..

That's silly advice. Tending bar and being pictured chugging booze are two different things.

A lot of bartenders I know don't even drink on the job.

 

[FutureDrB]

Continuing from the bartending discussion...I was a bouncer in a bar at night for several years. I have no problem putting that on my application. It's certainly not a "professional" occupation, but the way I look at it, it shows you can handle/diffuse high-pressure situations.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

That's silly advice. Tending bar and being pictured chugging booze are two different things.

A lot of bartenders I know don't even drink on the job.

Idk I had guest lectures from doctors and admission counselors that warned us against being seen in the night life and with drinks as it could interfere with our professionalism. Just what I've been taught tho..

I think there's a valid point being made about bartending from both sides. I'd say a bartender job at a country club or restaurant is much different than your typical night club. While I wouldn't care if it was either, there is a very conservative group of physicians out there that may associate it with our media's portrayal of the night life, and although there are bartenders that don't drink on the job, many do. I'd say to include a bartending job if it was at a "respectable" establishment, but avoid the nightclub type jobs unless you have nothing else to put on your application.

 

[abolt18]

I listed my work experience including construction and customer service. They were parts of my life. Each one taught me great lessons.

 

[skeletor06]

Well, I'll go with the consensus then. Thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[MetalloBetalactamase]

I'm 48, and I included only the last three jobs I worked. I did not anger the adcom gods by listing everything. If my last three round of employment plus my GPA and volunteer work wouldn't cut it, I didn't know what would. I went back 20 years. I did get in. I would say pick your bright points, no porno!